Thiruvananthapuram: A group of men, reportedly RSS-BJP workers, raised slogans against Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, urging him to retract his statement criticising the RSS.

The protest took place on Wednesday evening at Neyyattinkara, where Gandhi had attended an event to unveil the statue of late Gandhian P Gopinathan Nair. According to the police, a small group, allegedly linked to the Sangh Parivar, chanted slogans against Gandhi as he was leaving the venue. No case has been registered in connection with the incident.

During his speech at the event, Gandhi warned that both the Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led LDF must recognise the growing influence of the RSS and BJP in Kerala.

"The BJP we would be able to defeat, but the RSS is poison. And we have to be very cautious about it because if it spreads in the circulation system of our country, then all is lost," he said.

He further alleged that the RSS posed a greater threat than British colonial rule, claiming that while the British sought to govern India, the present danger aimed to destroy the country's very existence.

"They (RSS) are trying to destroy the soul of the country. We should be fearful of that. Because if it (soul) is lost, everything is lost," he added.

Tension as protesters block Gandhi’s vehicle

Tension gripped the area as BJP-RSS workers shouted slogans and briefly blocked Gandhi’s car. Protesters claimed that the municipal ward where the event was held was represented by the BJP and demanded that Gandhi withdraw his remarks.

However, Gandhi remained resolute, departing after chanting "Gandhiji ki Jai." Later, he clarified that he would not take legal action against the protesters.

"There was no physical assault. They stopped only my vehicle, and I will not take any action," he told a TV channel on Thursday.

Congress condemns protest

The Congress party has rallied behind Tushar Gandhi, condemning the protest.

Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, speaking to reporters in Kochi, called the incident an insult to Mahatma Gandhi and a "deplorable act of fascism." He demanded strict action from the police and the government.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief K Sudhakaran MP also denounced the protest, stating, "The communal forces that bury Gandhi while glorifying Godse have no place in Kerala's secular land."

There was no immediate response from the RSS or BJP.

With PTI inputs